DIMENSION VISTA HCYS FLEX REAGENT CARTRIDGE; PROTEIN 1 CALIBRATOR; PROTEIN 1 CONTROL LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH
K063206 · Dade Behring, Inc. · LPS · Dec 28, 2006 · Clinical Chemistry
Device Facts
Record ID
K063206
Device Name
DIMENSION VISTA HCYS FLEX REAGENT CARTRIDGE; PROTEIN 1 CALIBRATOR; PROTEIN 1 CONTROL LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH
Applicant
Dade Behring, Inc.
Product Code
LPS · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
Dec 28, 2006
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1377
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Dimension Vista® HCYS Flex® reagent cartridge: The HCYS method is an in vitro diagnostic test for the quantitative determination of total homocysteine in human serum, heparinized and EDTA plasma. Measurements of homocysteine aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients suspected of having hyperhomocysteinemia and homocystinuria. Dimension Vista® Protein 1 Calibrator: PROT1 CAL is an in vitro diagnostic product for the calibration of the C3 Complement (C3), C4 Complement (C4), Homocysteine (HCYS), Immunoglobulin A (IGA), Immunoglobulin G (IGG), Immunoglobulin M (IGM) and prealbumin/Transthyretin (PREALB) methods on the Dimension Vista® System. Dimension Vista® Protein 1 Control L, M, H: PROT1 CON L, M, H are assayed intra-laboratory quality controls for assessment of precision and analytical bias in the determination of C3 Complement (C3), C4 Complement (C4), Homocysteine (HCYS), Immunoglobulin A (IGA), Immunoglobulin G (IGG), Immunoglobulin M (IGM) and prealbumin/Transthyretin (PREALB) methods on the Dimension Vista® System.
Device Story
Device is an in vitro diagnostic reagent cartridge for quantitative homocysteine measurement on the Dimension Vista System. Input: human serum, heparinized plasma, or EDTA plasma. Principle: competitive immunoassay using particle-enhanced nephelometry; sample homocysteine is reduced to free homocysteine, converted to S-adenosyl-homocysteine (SAH), and competes with conjugated S-adenosyl-cysteine (SAC) for binding to anti-SAH antibody-coated polystyrene particles. Output: scattered light signal inversely proportional to SAH concentration. Used in clinical laboratories by technicians. Healthcare providers use results to diagnose and monitor hyperhomocysteinemia and homocystinuria. Benefits: provides automated, quantitative assessment of homocysteine levels to guide clinical management.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical trials performed. Analytical performance established via bench testing: precision (CLSI EP5-A2), linearity, interference (CLSI EP7-A2), and method comparison (CLSI EP9-A2) against predicate. Method comparison on 215 samples yielded Y = 1.056X + 0.239 (r=0.995).
Technological Characteristics
Particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay. Reagents include dithiothreitol for reduction and anti-SAH antibodies bound to polystyrene particles. System utilizes scattered light detection. Calibrators and controls are human serum-based, multi-analyte products. Designed for automated processing on the Dimension Vista System.
Indications for Use
Indicated for quantitative determination of total homocysteine in human serum, heparinized, and EDTA plasma to aid in diagnosis and treatment of patients suspected of having hyperhomocysteinemia and homocystinuria.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A urinary homocystine (nonquantitative) test system is a device intended to identify homocystine (an analogue of the amino acid cystine) in urine. The identification of urinary homocystine is used in the diagnosis and treatment of homocystinuria (homosystine in urine), a heritable metabolic disorder which may cause mental retardation.
Predicate Devices
Dade Behring N Latex HCY (k052788)
Dade Behring N Protein Standard SL (k012470)
Dade Behring N/T Protein Control SL (k01268)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
1
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY ONLY TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k063206
B. Purpose for Submission:
New device
C. Measurand:
Homocysteine
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative, competitive immunoassay using particle-enhanced nephelometry
E. Applicant:
Dade Behring, Inc.
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
Dimension Vista® HCYS Flex® reagent cartridge, Dimension Vista® Protein 1 Calibrator, Dimension Vista® Protein 1 Control L, M, H.
G. Regulatory Information:
| Product Code | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Urinary Homocysteine (Nonquantitative) Test System (LPS) | Class II | 21 CFR 862.1377, Urinary homocysteine (nonquantitative) test system. | 75 Clinical Chemistry (CH) |
| Product Code | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| Calibrators, Multi-Analyte Mixture (JIX) | Class II | 21 CFR 862.1150, Calibrator | 75 Clinical Chemistry (CH) |
| Product Code | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| Multi-Analyte controls, All kinds (Assayed and Unassayed) (JJY) | Class I | 21 CFR 862.1660, Quality Control Material (assayed and unassayed) | 75 Clinical Chemistry (CH) |
{1}
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
See Indications for use below.
2. Indication(s) for use:
Dimension Vista® HCYS Flex® reagent cartridge: The HCYS method is an in vitro diagnostic test for the quantitative determination of total homocysteine in human serum, heparinized and EDTA plasma. Measurements of homocysteine aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients suspected of having hyperhomocysteinemia and homocystinuria.
Dimension Vista® Protein 1 Calibrator: PROT1 CAL is an in vitro diagnostic product for the calibration of the C3 Complement (C3), C4 Complement (C4), Homocysteine (HCYS), Immunoglobulin A (IGA), Immunoglobulin G (IGG), Immunoglobulin M (IGM) and prealbumin/Transthyretin (PREALB) methods on the Dimension Vista® System.
Dimension Vista® Protein 1 Control L, M, H: PROT1 CON L, M, H are assayed intra-laboratory quality controls for assessment of precision and analytical bias in the determination of C3 Complement (C3), C4 Complement (C4), Homocysteine (HCYS), Immunoglobulin A (IGA), Immunoglobulin G (IGG), Immunoglobulin M (IGM) and prealbumin/Transthyretin (PREALB) methods on the Dimension Vista® System.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
Prescription use only
4. Special instrument requirements:
For use on the Dimension Vista® System only.
I. Device Description:
1. Dimension Vista® HCYS Flex® reagent cartridge contains 12 wells with different kinds of reagents: Wells 1-4 contain diluent, wells 5-6 contain HCYS Reduction reagents (0.35 g/L Dithiothreitol and 0.0075 g/L Adenosine), wells 7-8 contain HCYS supplement reagent 1 (0.02 g/L conjugate of S-Adenosyl-Cysteine/Porcine Thyreoglobulin), wells 9-10 contain HCYS supplement reagent 2 (8,100 Units/L recombinant S-Adenosyl-L-Homocysteine hydrolase), wells 11-12 contain 1.25 g/L of polystyrene particles and 0.038 g/L mouse monoclonal antibodies to S-Adenosyl-Homocysteine).
2. Dimension Vista® Protein 1 Calibrator is a multi-analyte, liquid, human serum based product containing C3, C4, Homocysteine, IGA, IGG, IGM, and prealbumin/Transthyretin (PREALB). Each carton contains 6 vials with 6 different concentrations of analytes, each vial contains 2.0 mL of ready to use material.
{2}
3. Dimension Vista® Protein 1 Control L(low), M(medium), H(high) are multi-analyte, liquid, human serum based products containing C3, C4, Homocysteine, IGA, IGG, IGM, and prealbumin/Transthyretin (PREALB). Each carton contains 6 vials with 2.0 mL of ready to use material per vial.
All human source materials were tested and found to be negative for syphilis, HIV 1/2, HBsAg, and HCV.
## J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
- Dade Behring N Latex HCY
- Dade Behring N Protein Standard SL
- Dade Behring N/T Protein Control SL
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
- k052788, k012470, k01268
3. Comparison with predicate:
Dimension Vista® HCYS Flex® reagent cartridge:
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Intended Use | Quantitative in vitro diagnostic determination of total homocysteine for diagnosis and treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia and homocystinuria. | Quantitative in vitro diagnostic determination of total homocysteine for diagnosis and treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia and homocystinuria. |
| Methodology | Particle Enhanced nephelometry | Particle Enhanced nephelometry |
| Standardization | Traceable to purified S-adenosyl-homocysteine. | Traceable to purified S-adenosyl-homocysteine. |
| Antibody | Mouse monoclonal | Mouse monoclonal |
| Sample types | Serum or Plasma | Serum or Plasma |
| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Instrument | Dade Behring Dimension Vista System | Dade Behring BN II and BN ProSpec System |
| Detection Limits | 0.2 μmol/L | 2.0 μmol/L |
| Reportable range | 2.0 to 57 μmol/L | 2.0 to 64 μmol/L |
| Normal range | 5.0 - 15.0 μmol/L
From scientific literatures | 3.2 - 10.7 μmol/L
From scientific literatures |
{3}
Dimension Vista® Protein 1 Calibrator:
| Similarities and differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Form | Liquid, human serum | Liquid, human serum |
| Constituents | C3, C4, homocysteine, IGA, IGG, IGM and prealbumin/Transthyretin | IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, homocysteine, IgE, C3,C4, transferrin, albumin, α1-antitrypsin, α2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin, α1-acid glycoprotein, prealbumin, hemopexin, ceruloplasmin, retinal binding protein, Ig light-chain kappa, Ig light-chain lambda, soluble transferring receptor, ferritin, β2-microglobulin, total protein |
| Traceable | Traceable to purified S-adenosyl-homocysteine. | Traceable to purified S-adenosyl-homocysteine. |
Dimension Vista® Protein 1 Control L, M, H:
| Similarities and differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Form | Liquid, human serum | Liquid, human serum |
| Constituents | C3, C4, homocysteine, IGA, IGG, IGM and prealbumin/Transthyretin | IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, homocysteine, IgE, C3,C4, transferrin, albumin, α1-antitrypsin, α2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin, α1-acid glycoprotein, prealbumin, hemopexin, ceruloplasmin, retinal binding protein, Ig light-chain kappa, Ig light-chain lambda, soluble transferring receptor, ferritin, β2-microglobulin, total protein |
| Traceable | Purified S-adenosyl-homocysteine. | Purified S-adenosyl-homocysteine. |
{4}
5
# K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
## STANDARDS
### Title and Reference Number
CSLI Guideline, EP5-A2 Evaluation of Precision Performance of Clinical Chemistry Devices; Approved Guideline Second edition
CSLI Guideline, EP7-A2 Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry; Approved Guideline Second edition
CSLI Guideline, EP9-A2 Method Comparison and Bias Estimation Using Patient Samples; Approved Guideline Second edition
## L. Test Principle:
Bound homocysteine in the sample is reduced to free homocysteine by the action of dithiothreitol, and converted enzymatically to S-adenosyl-homocysteine (SAH) in the next step. Conjugated S-adenosyl-cysteine (SAC) added at the onset of the reaction competes with the SAH in the sample for bonding by anti-SAH antibodies bound to polystyrene particles. In the presence of SAH there is either no aggregation or a weaker aggregation of the polystyrene particles. In the absence of SAH in the sample an aggregation of the polystyrene particles by conjugated SAC occurs. The higher the SAH content of the reaction mixture, the smaller the scattered light signal. The result is evaluated by comparison with a standard of known concentration.
## M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
### 1. Analytical performance:
#### a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Precision was evaluated with quality control materials (L, M, H), a plasma pool and two serum pool on the Dimension Vista System following CLSI EP5-A2 guideline. Samples were analyzed in duplicate, twice a day, for 20 days. The repeatability and within-lab SD and % CV were calculated by the analysis of variance method. The data are summarized in the table below:
| Material | Mean μmol/L | Repeatability SD (%CV) | Within-Lab SD (%CV) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| PROT1 CON L | 8.90 | 0.297 (3.3) | 0.618 (7.0) |
| PROT1 CON M | 14.06 | 0.442 (3.2) | 1.014 (7.2) |
| PROT1 CON H | 28.63 | 0.829 (2.9) | 1.833 (6.4) |
| Serum pool | 1.26 | 0.332 (3.0) | 0.749 (6.7) |
| Serum pool | 53.24 | 1.034 (1.9) | 1.447 (6.7) |
| Plasma pool | 5.42 | 0.104 (1.9) | 0.445 (8.2) |
{5}
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Linearity across the assay range was determined by testing a calibrator and a high patient serum with a high concentration of homocysteine. The samples were serially diluted with system diluent and each dilution was tested with replicates of three. Data were analyzed using linear regression analysis. The acceptance criteria of slope between 0.9 and 1.1 and correlation coefficient ≥ 0.95 was met for the study.
The reportable range for the assay is 2 – 57 μmol/L.
The sponsor recommends a dilution of 1:10 when patient result falls outside the upper measuring range of 57 μmol/L. A dilution study for homocysteine was performed on 8 different patient serum spiked with homocysteine on the Dimension vista system. Each sample was then diluted with system diluent at 1:10 dilution by the analyzer or manually. Each diluted sample was run in replicates of 5. The % recovery of the Dimension vista system for homocysteine assay ranged from 91% to 100.7% with a mean % recovery of 94%.
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
Traceability and value assignments:
The PROT1 calibrators and PROT1 controls are calibrated against an internal master calibrator, which is calibrated against a commercially available reference preparation. Specifically, homocysteine is calibrated against a commercially available preparation of purified S-adenosyl-homocysteine. The value assignment process for the standard and control are by an internal protocol using two different instruments and by performing multiple determinations using the Dimension Vista Systems and the Dimension HCYS Reagent. The PROT1 calibrators and PROT1 controls are traceable to purified S-adenosyl-homocysteine.
Stability:
To support a 24 month shelf-life for unopened Dimension Vista HCYS flex reagent, PROT1 calibrators and PROT1 controls store at 2-8°C, testing was done on day 0 and after 12, 18, and 24 months. The acceptance criteria are: results obtained must be within a range of 85% to 115% of the control assigned value.
To support an open-vial stability at 2-8°C for the Dimension Vista HCYS flex reagent, PROT1 calibrators and PROT1 controls, vials are stored on board the instrument and contents are tested in duplicates on day 0, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14. The acceptance criteria are: results obtained must not deviate more than ± 10% compared to day 0 results. The sponsor claims the on-board stability of 9 days for the calibrators and controls once the vial is opened. The open well stability of the HCYS Flex reagent cartridge is 21 days for wells 1-12. Sealed wells on the instrument are stable for 30 days.
6
{6}
d. Detection limit:
The analytical sensitivity is defined as the minimal detectable level of analyte, which can be distinguished from zero. The value was calculated as the mean value of twenty replicates of system diluent plus two standard deviations. The sponsor claims the analytical sensitivity to be 0.2 µmol/L.
The reportable range for the assay is 2 – 57 µmol/L.
e. Analytical specificity:
The HCYS method was evaluated for interference according to CLSI/NCCLS EP7-A2. Bias is the difference in the results between the control sample (without the interferent) and the test sample (contains the interferent) expressed in percent. Bias exceeding 10% is considered interference.
| Substance tested | Substance Concentration | S. I. Units | Homocysteine Concentration µmol/L | Bias* % |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hemoglobin (hemolysate) | 1000 mg/dL | 0.62 mmol/L | 13.22 | ±0 |
| Bilirubin (unconjugated) | 60 mg/dL | 1026 µmol/L | 12.54 | ±0 |
| Bilirubin (conjugated) | 60 mg/dL | 1026 µmol/L | 13.28 | +6 |
| Lipemia (Triglycerides) | 510 mg/dL | 5.7 mmol/L | 11.83 | -7 |
* Analyte results should not be corrected based on this bias.
Non Interfering Substances
The following substances do not interfere with the HCYS method when present in serum and plasma at the concentrations indicated. Inaccuracies (biases) due to these substances are less than 10% at homocysteine concentrations of 3.50 µmol/L to 28.88 µmol/L.
| Substance | Test Concentration | S. I. Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Acetaminophen | 20 mg/dL | 1328 µmol/L |
| Adenosine | 27 mg/dL | 0.01 mmol/dL |
| Amikacin | 15 mg/dL | 256 µmol/L |
| Aminophyllin | 4 mg/dL | 0.0095 mmol/dL |
| Ammonium heparin | 3 U/mL | 3000 U/L |
{7}
| Ampicillin | 5.3 mg/dL | 152 μmol/L |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ascorbic acid | 5 mg/dL | 227 μmol/L |
| Caffeine | 6 mg/dL | 308 μmol/L |
| Carbamazepine | 3 mg/dL | 127 μmol/L |
| Chloramphenicol | 5 mg/dL | 155 μmol/L |
| Chlordiazepoxide | 1 mg/dL | 33.3 μmol/L |
| Chlorpromazine | 0.2 mg/dL | 6.27 μmol/L |
| Cholesterol | 500 mg/dL | 12.9 mmol/L |
| Cimetidine | 2 mg/dL | 79.2 μmol/L |
| Creatinine | 30 mg/dL | 2652 μmol/L |
| Dextran 40 | 6000 mg/dL | 1500 μmol/L |
| Diazepam | 0.5 mg/dL | 17.6 μmol/L |
| Digoxin | 5 ng/mL | 6.15 nmol/L |
| Erythromycin | 6 mg/dL | 81.6 μmol/L |
| Ethanol | 400 mg/dL | 86.8 mmol/L |
| Ethosuximide | 25 mg/dL | 1770 μmol/L |
| Furosemide | 6 mg/dL | 181 μmol/L |
| Gentamicin | 12 mg/dL | 251 μmol/L |
| Ibuprofen | 50 mg/dL | 2425 μmol/L |
| Immunoglobulin G (IgG) | 5 g/dL | 50 g/L |
| L-Cystathion | 2.23 mg/dL | 0.25 mmol/dL |
| L-Cysteine | 30 mg/dL | 0.01 mmol/dL |
| L-Glutathione | 2.142 mg/dL | 3.5 mmol/dL |
| L-Homocysteine-thiolactone | 0.0775 mg/dL | 0.5 μmol/dL |
| Lidocaine | 1.2 mg/dL | 51.2 μmol/L |
| Lithium chloride | 2.3 mg/dL | 3.2 mmol/L |
| Lithium heparin | 3 U/mL | 3000 U/L |
| L-Methionine | 6 mg/dL | 0.04 mmol/dL |
| Nicotine | 0.1 mg/dL | 6.2 μmol/L |
| Penicillin G | 25 U/mL | 25000 U/L |
| Pentobarbital | 8 mg/dL | 354 μmol/L |
| Phenobarbital | 10 mg/dL | 431 μmol/L |
| Phenytoin | 5 mg/dL | 198 μmol/L |
| Primidone | 4 mg/dL | 183 μmol/L |
| Propoxyphene | 0.2 mg/dL | 4.91 μmol/L |
| Protein Albumin | 0.6 g/dL | 6 g/L |
| Protein Total | 12 g/dL | 120g/L |
| Rheumatoid Factor | 500 U/mL | 500 U/mL |
| S-Adenosyl-L-methionine | 20 mg/dL | 0.05 mmol/dL |
| Salicylic acid | 60 mg/dL | 4.34 mmol/L |
| Sodium heparin | 3 U/mL | 3000 U/L |
| Urea | 500 mg/dL | 83.3 mmol/L |
| Uric acid | 20 mg/dL | 1190 μmol/L |
| Valproic acid | 50 mg/dL | 3467 μmol/L |
A serum sample above the assay range was analyzed on both the BN ProSpec System and the Dimension Vista System to show that the HCYS assay has no hook effect with concentration up to $199.3\mu \mathrm{mol} / \mathrm{L}$ .
{8}
As limitations, the applicant stated the followings in the package insert:
1. Specimens from patients who are on drug therapy involving S-adenosymethionine may show falsely elevated levels of homocysteine. Certain drugs, such as antiepileptic, antifolates, nitrous oxide anesthesia and antagonists of vitamin B6 are known to elevate the homocysteine concentration in human blood.
2. Patient samples may contain heterophilic antibodies that could react in immunoassays to give falsely elevated or depressed results. This assay has been designed to minimize interference from heterophilic antibodies. Nevertheless, complete elimination of this interference from all patient specimens cannot be guaranteed.
f. Assay cut-off:
None
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
A method comparison study was performed on 215 matched samples of serum, EDTA plasma, and heparized plasma based on the CLSI EP9-A2 guideline on the Dimension Vista system and the BN ProSpec system. Samples concentration range from 3.43 to 56.52 μmol/L. The method used to fit the linear regression line was Passing Bablok. Regression analysis of these results yielded the following equation: Y = 1.056 X + 0.239, r = 0.995, N = 215. Y = Dimension Vista HCYS assay, and X = BN ProSpec N Latex HCY assay.
A summary of the regression statistics for the different matrices is provided below:
Method Comparison Study
| Comparative Method/Specimen type | n | Slope | Intercept | Correlation Coefficient |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| HCY on the BN ProSpec®/EDTA plasma | 73 | 1.076 | 0.350 | 0.996 |
| HCY on the BN ProSpec®/lithium heparin plasma | 70 | 1.075 | -0.085 | 0.997 |
| HCY on the BN ProSpec®/serum | 72 | 1.024 | 0.716 | 0.996 |
{9}
b. Matrix comparison:
Matrix comparison studies were performed by collecting fresh whole blood from a total of 10 donors. Samples were collected into lithium-heparin tube, sodium-heparin tube, EDTA tube, and serum separator tubes. A comparison was performed with matched specimens of serum, EDTA, and lithium and sodium heparin plasma on the Dimension Vista system. Linear regression analysis showed correlations of slopes of 0.9 to 1.10 and r ≥ 0.95 was met when different matrices were compare to the serum sample.
3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical Sensitivity:
Not applicable
b. Clinical specificity:
Not applicable
c. Other clinical supportive data (when a. and b. are not applicable):
None
4. Clinical cut-off:
None
5. Expected values/Reference range:
The reference interval is based on a report from the NHANES 1999-2000 study with approximately 7300 participants, which yielded a central 90% reference range of 3.2 – 10.7 μmol/L for vitamin replete adult US males and females.
Literature cited: “Pfeiffer CM et al. Biochemical indicators of B vitamin status in the US population after folic acid fortification: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;82(2):442-450.”
N. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
O. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.